Discoloration / Brown Spots

Discoloration / Brown Spots

Skin discoloration is a common concern for people of all ages and cultures and can be a significant source of distress. Any departure from the surrounding baseline skin color results in discoloration. However, the term is often used to refer to brown discoloration and the causes for this are numerous. Common reasons include brown age spots in older adults, brown discoloration resulting after inflammation, melasma, and freckles.

Skin discoloration is a generic descriptive term and is not itself a diagnosis. Hence, skin discoloration should always be evaluated by your dermatologist for a diagnosis first. The cause of the discoloration should be diagnosed before any decision is made to treat. If the discoloration is considered a benign brown spot, cosmetic removal can be performed. If the discoloration appears suspicious, additional testing may be required. Your dermatologist can guide you through this process.

Many brown spots can be effectively lightened with lasers treatments. Multiple sessions may be needed for the best results. Because every brown spot is different in every person, you will need an individualized treatment plan.

At Wall Street Dermatology, we are experts in treatment of discoloration.

Dr. Julia Tzu

Dr. Julia Tzu is a double board certified dermatologist who specializes in Mohs and reconstructive skin surgery, laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. She is one very few dermatologists in the world who has devoted additional years of formalized fellowship training in both Mohs surgery as well as dermatopathology, making her amongst the most highly trained and elite dermatologists.